Guests set sail at the 2019 Xiamen Music Season in Xiamen, Fujian province on July 31. [Photo/chinanews.com]

More than 20 days of musical bliss began on July 31, when the 2019 Xiamen Music Season opened, marked by an eclectic mix of piano, string, percussion and guitar. 

On the agenda are nearly 100 performances, including four large-scale shows, three international competitions, special concerts, and salons featuring talented musicians. 

Musical virtuosos and educators from around the world will participate, joined by many domestic and international authoritative music associations and institutions. 

The opening ceremony was held at Xiamen University and coincided with the Piano Music Week. 

The first Xiamen (international) violin, percussion, and band competitions are scheduled to take place. Well-known university professors and industry experts from home and abroad have been invited as judges and music lovers from around 20 countries have signed up to compete. 

Guo Yinfang, deputy director of the culture and tourism bureau of Siming district, said at the opening ceremony that Xiamen is nicknamed "Piano Island" due to its strong musical and artistic atmosphere. Siming district is located in central Xiamen and has a rich cultural and historic background blending Chinese and Western elements. 

The 2019 Xiamen Music Season is the Siming district government's latest move to promote its culture and tourism industries, and is expected to become another cultural trademark for the district. The purpose is to create a comprehensive platform for artistic and musical exchange and mutual learning.